SBI Ventures, promoted by State Bank of India, will launch a ₹2,000-crore climate-focused fund in Jan–Mar 2025. The fund will target early and growth-stage startups in frontier climate technologies and AI-enabled innovations, aiming to unlock green growth and attract both domestic and global investors.
Inside the announcement
At the IVCA Green Returns Summit, SBI Ventures Managing Director and CEO Prem Prabhakar confirmed plans for the company’s third climate-focused fund. The initiative underscores India’s ambition to become a hub for climate innovation, particularly in areas such as cooling technologies, renewable energy, and resilience solutions. Roadshows to attract investors are expected to begin early next year. Analysts highlight that the fund will help bridge India’s climate financing gap while positioning SBI Ventures as a key player in sustainable investing.
Notable updates
• Fund size: ₹2,000 crore, to be launched in Jan–Mar 2025
• Focus: Early and growth-stage climate startups, frontier technologies, AI-enabled innovations
• Investor base: Mix of domestic and global participants
• Strategic goal: Unlock green growth and support India’s climate innovation ecosystem
• India positioned as a lab and launchpad for global climate solutions
Major takeaway
The upcoming fund signals SBI Ventures’ commitment to climate-focused investments, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. By channeling capital into innovative startups, the initiative aims to accelerate green growth and strengthen India’s role in global climate innovation.
Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Deccan Chronicle, Rediff Money, Economic Times CFO, The Hindu